Golden Globe nods: Reaction to the movie categories

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association did its usual thing this morning, honoring prestige dramas (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Revolutionary Road, The Reader) while largely overlooking blockbusters (The Dark Knight) and grittier films (Milk). Here’s a rundown of the nominees in the major movie categories. (Also, check out Ken Tucker’s reaction to the TV noms.)

I had heard that the HFPA loved The Reader, so its inclusion here isn’t a surprise. But the omission of Milk is odd given how well it’s done with the New York, L.A., and Broadcast critics. The big story here is Revolutionary Road, which came roaring back into the awards race with four big Globe nominations. I’d say Button is the one to beat.

There were six strong competitors going into this morning’s announcements, and one of them had to be left out. To my surprise, it was Clint Eastwood. At least he got two nominations in the music categories. Any of these five guys could win.

I’m sad about the omission of Last Chance Harvey, which seemed to me like a sure bet here. But the HFPA created an interesting list of hits (Mamma Mia!) and deserving indies (In Bruges). I’m thinking Vicky takes it home.

I expected James Franco to get a Globe nomination this morning…but for Milk, not Pineapple Express. I was worried this race would seem like filler this year, but it really doesn’t. Give the edge to Hoffman.

I’m still rubbing my eyes waiting for Sarah Jessica Parker’s name to appear on this list for Sex and the City given all the Globe love she received while the TV series was on the air. This one’s between Hawkins and Streep, and I think the plucky Brit could win.

This category held the most surprises of any this year. Downey for Tropic Thunder, sure. But Tom Cruise? Over Revolutionary Road’s unforgettable Michael Shannon and any of the Milk guys? The HFPA’s love of big stars got the better of them here. It’s a Hoffman/Ledger rematch at this point.

These are five worthy women, to be sure, but to leave out Button’s Taraji P. Henson is to ignore one the most emotionally powerful performances of the year. Cruz and Winslet seem like the frontrunners.

Where are Gus Van Sant and Christopher Nolan, you might ask? Well, in a tight race, personality matters. And I guarantee Boyle, Daldry, and Mendes were much more charming to the HFPA than Van Sant and Nolan. My money’s on Fincher or Boyle.